It may feel like it’s always dark now and rains all the time, and you’d be right. But this time of year also has its benefits. Firstly, all the good TV shows start up, and secondly, all the pretty party pieces hit the shops.
I’m a sucker for a sequin, so I love autumn and the opportunity to browse all the shiny (quite literally) new items in stores at this time of year. Whether you’ve had your Christmas party save-the-date pinned up for months already, or have no plans but fancy being fancy for the sake of sequins (I hear you – I’ve been known to sit at home in my finery ‘just because’), there’s a trend to suit.
MONSOON Oprah organza bow blouse, £60 www.monsoon.co.uk
From satin to velvet and glitter to gauze, this Christmas’s looks are all about texture. Don’t be afraid to mix them either – more is definitely more so embrace a variety of fabrics when putting together your perfect party look.
There’s no escaping satin this season – slip dresses, skirts and shirts are everywhere, and give an instant luxe look to an outfit. Many people avoid satin or silky fabrics for fear that they’ll be unflattering, but it’s all about finding a style to suit rather than avoiding altogether.
Experiment with different shapes and silhouettes to find something that works for your shape. If you don’t want to commit to a whole satin ensemble then accessories are always an option – silky headbands, clutch bags and shoes are all worth investigating and can provide an instant festive update to your outfits.
Organza is another big trend this season, especially in blouses and dresses. The sheer nature of the fabric means you can really mix up the look with what you wear underneath, whether that’s lace, sparkle or just a bold colour. Invest in some cami tops and experiment.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of sparkle, and the good news is, sequins, glitter and shimmer are very on trend this season – and the bolder the better. It really is your time to shine!
Here I’ve put together a selection of my favourite party pieces….but if you don’t have a soiree to swan off to, don’t despair – there’s nothing to say you can’t rock a velvet jumpsuit to brighten up a Monday meeting is there?
Follow Charlie @Girlaboutkent
